RETHINKING DEVELOPMENT AID This week there is an OECD meeting on development aid. I have given some input from NABC with respect to development aid:
World Bank Tenders / African Development Bank tenders We strongly feel that companies from the Netherlands are suffering from a sense of fatalism when it comes to these tenders. Our companies (obviously mainly the infrastructure companies) are of the opinion that current tender practices make it almost impossible to win tenders for projects. Dutch companies pride themselves for having a strong CSR record, a sustainable approach and a high quality of work. These elements should be given more weight in the tendering procedures and preferably some minimum CSR/sustainability thresholds should be introduced to ensure high quality and sustainable projects.
It seems to be too far-fetched to have local governments fully in charge of the tendering procedures. We now have the situation where the countries that take home most World Bank projects are also ranking on the top positions on the bribe-payers index! So we think there is nothing wrong to subcontract the tendering to an independent organization, which could well be a reputable consulting firm (obviously these tasks should be tendered too).
Rogue investors and traders In many African countries, a large part of the imported goods are imported by shady entrepreneurs that effectively try to close off the market for other imports ánd for local production. In some cases these companies have been blacklisted in the USA for having links to Al Queda and other “unpleasant” regimes and organizations. These are often clear cases of “state capture” whereby the importer is protecting his interests to the detriment of the population. These malpractices could be addressed by influential countries I would say. EU Common Agricultural Policy At some stage – rather sooner than later - we have to lift the anachronistic levels of support to the European and American farming class as well as non-tariff barriers and dumping of food under the pretext of humanitarian aid. Given the comparative advantage of Africa in agribusiness, removing these barriers will lead to: More investment in African agribusiness boosting Africa’s growth even further and creating employment Less need for development aid and hence less US and EU government expenditure Lower prices for European and US consumers ánd for African consumers
Rethink input – financing of development aid
Why would development aid be the only policy area where we first decide how much we want to spend and only later on think of what to do with the money? The OECD should start a discussion on changing this approach. On a macro level development aid has not been beneficial and a paradigm shift would help all involved.
As sales manager responsible for Africa, I was looking at finding opportunities to open markets in this vast continent, besides the few contacts we historically had.
The NABC Business Club held on the 17th of November was another great platform to meet friends and other Africa interested companies, for to exchange experiences over a drink and a good laugh.
Berenschot is active in many countries in Africa. Our passion is to organise. At all times, in the most complex of environments.
I joined NABC last month and see the benefits of networking with other partners in Africa.
"NABC=Efficiency I have been a member of NABC since December 2010. During my visit in Den Haag in August 2011 I took time to meet with the NABC team. I received a warm welcome and was taken in the meeting room where I had a meeting with the projec
An excellent atmosphere at the NABC ambassadors dinner. A great way to improve contacts in specific markets and a worthwhile social event!
As every year the Ambassadors Diner was THE place to be to meet many old friends and to make new friends on the international and professional level. The location and the quality of food was better then the prior events, the number of attendants is g
The evening was very well organized with plenty of opportunity to meet and talk with other people. The venue was much better than last year and dinner was good too. I would say the whole event gets a 9 out of 10 from me.
The Ambassadors Dinner seems to be a successful setup. In a short time it was possible to meet the representative Ambassadors of the various African countries and discuss the issues in an informal way. Next time we will participate again.
First of all i would like to thank NABC for the nice meeting you have arranged this morning at the Crownplaza Hotel with the delegation of Congolesse businessmen. I was at this meeting this morning in order to represent my company KLEYN TRUCKS
Worldwide food export has recently joined the NABC network. With activities on several continents, Africa was a logical next step in expanding our client base / network of local importers...
Since we are a member of NABC, we often capitalize on their drive to share what they know and we connect with who they know. We are happy to be a part of this extensive and exclusive international network. It brings us access to places, people and...
With a company name as DRC Projects, we felt obliged to participate in the NABC trade mission to the Democratic Republic Congo and the Republic of Congo. We have a long history of doing business in Africa and in the Congo’s in particular. The...
EQ Telecom is an international consultancy firm dedicated to serving telecommunications operators, service providers and regulatory authorities. We have focused our business to Southern African countries. Al though most of the African countries we...
I only had a few days in Kinshasa but the people I was able to meet and the information I was able to gather all courtesy of NABC made it extremely worthwhile. The programme was very well organised, the appointments relevant but I also had the...
Heineken has established activities in Africa for many years now. We operate 36 breweries; 3 soft drink plants; 2 malting, 1 glass factory and 1 winery/distillery in 14 countries and in the majority of the other African countries we have a healthy...
Being a member of NABC has inspired us largely in taking up challenges on this continent. Having already exports to some African countries, NABC helps us a lot in our expansions by their extensive network, the get-togethers and trade missions...
I recently discovered that NABC has not only got their regular services, they also offer real individual attention on top of the professionalism and the friendliness of their staff. As my business is entirely focused on Africa it is, of course, of...
NABC functions as the perfect bridge between the Dutch business community and its government on the one hand, and the African companies and governments on the other. As an entrepreneur, you can always call on NABC. If for instance you are engaged...
Poor service? Sulky contact persons? Lack of skill? NOT AT NABC! Kjaer Group is now a member for approximately one year and we are more than happy about the great support from NABC. It was also the first time that we decided to co-sponsor an event...
The trade mission was exceptionally well prepared and the meetings were of a high standard and diverse. Representing different sectors, the delegation was well balanced and together created a natural atmosphere. This was to a large extent the...
NABC is a professional organisation used by PTC+ to explore market opportunities in countries in Africa not yet entered. The NABC opens doors to contacts and networks otherwise difficult to access as a newcomer. NABC helps PTC+ to become familiar...
In February 2008, Rabobank organized a trade-orientating mission to Tanzania. For this mission the assistance and knowledge of the NABC was used. Due to the extensive knowledge of the local market and the business market of Tanzania, two most...
The thought behind becoming a member of NABC was actually to develop our relationships with the various companies doing business to, in and from Africa. But in fact, it brought much more than only that. NABC gave us more insight on demands and...
As Africa is our main market in the field of commercial vehicles, in NABC we have found the perfect network partner. Because of its widespread African network and the enthusiastic members, we visit the network sessions very often. Three months ago...
Vopak has recently joined the Netherlands African Business Council (NABC). With a history of almost four centuries, Vopak is the global market leader for the independent storage and handling of liquid oil products, chemicals, vegetable oils and...
Please leave your contact details to have us call you.
Contact me